The tragic death of Liam Payne has taken another turn, as Braian Nahuel Paiz, a former waiter at a restaurant in an Argentine hotel, has been identified by authorities as a person allegedly linked to the incident. Speaking to Telefe Noticias, Paiz denied having supplied drugs to Payne, but shared his perspective on their interactions.
Paiz said he met Payne on Oct. 2 while working at a restaurant where Payne dined with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and two others. After exchanging contact information, Paiz alleged Payne invited him to his hotel room, where they listened to unreleased music and shared drinks. Paiz claimed Payne was already under the influence of drugs that night and then asked him for the contact information of a drug dealer, which Paiz allegedly provided via Instagram.
Paiz further detailed their interactions, alleging that he and Payne met again on Oct. 13, spent the night together and used drugs. While Paiz admitted to smoking marijuana, he claimed Payne used cocaine. According to Paiz, Payne seemed “sweet” and concerned about his well-being, but exhibited paranoia in the days leading up to his death, preventing people from entering his hotel room.
Paiz also suggested that Payne wanted to leave him clothes as proof of their time together, but he refused to do so. When Payne later requested another meeting, even showing up at Paiz’s home uninvited, Paiz declined due to work commitments.
On October 16, Payne fell from the balcony of her room on the third floor of the CasaSur hotel. A toxicology report revealed that she had cocaine, pink cocaine and antidepressants in her system. The incident, which caused a fatal skull fracture and serious injuries, was ruled accidental and not a suicide.
In addition to Paiz, authorities have charged a drug dealer in connection with supplying drugs to Payne. Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a businessman described as a “friend” of Payne, faces abandonment charges for allegedly failing to inform Payne’s family about his relapse and failing to respond to police the night of Payne’s death.
Nores has denied the allegations and says he visited Payne several times that day and left shortly before the incident. He maintains he had no indication that such a tragedy would occur.
Payne’s body was recently returned to England, where his family buried him. As investigations continue, the shocking claims about his final days paint a portrait of a talented artist battling personal demons in the final chapters of his life.
